Bangladesh Customs has introduced new guidelines allowing customs officials to assess the true value of imported and exported goods even after port clearance, aiming to prevent revenue leaks. The Customs Post-Clearance Audit (PCA) manual, issued by the National Board of Revenue (NBR), outlines over 200 criteria for auditing import-export activities.
While this measure is intended to prevent duty-tax evasion, businesses are concerned that it may slow down production and trade processes. The manual provides detailed instructions for both transaction-based and system-based PCA. It aligns with the World Customs Organization’s (WCO) guidelines.
However, some experts worry that the broad range of areas subject to audit could lead to delays and disruptions in business operations. The manual can be amended as needed to address any complexities in its implementation. The criteria for auditing include import-export volume, revenue vulnerability, past irregularities, tax rebates, bonded warehouse misuse, and more. Businesses may also be subject to PCA based on factors like irregular trade activities, misdeclaration, and compliance with customs rules.
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